Where should I place my wireless modem for the best connection?

The placement of your wireless modem can impact the quality of your connection throughout your home. A central location nearest to devices will allow for the best connection.

Here are some tips for optimal modem placement:

Let it breathe — Depending on the brand, your modem has little vents on the top, bottom and sides. Those vents are there so the modem can get air. Help it out by placing it on a desk (or similarly hard surface) and make sure there are a few inches between it and the wall.

Keep it cool — Electronics don't like to be overheated. Keep them out of direct sunshine, away from radiators and separated from other electronics.

Remove barriers — Physical barriers such as brick, walls, water, metal, reflective surfaces, windows and furniture can prevent wireless signals from effortlessly traveling back-and-forth between your modem and computer. Wireless signals need to be able to travel. If they can't, you end up with intermittent (or no) signal. To improve connectivity, try moving your modem (or the physical barrier). You may need to try a few locations to figure out what consistently works.

Higher is better - Finding a place for your modem that's higher up (e.g., bookcase, shelf, upstairs), gets you better coverage. Places that are centrally located are even better.

Keep your devices close — While they need breathing space of a few inches, ideally, your modem and computer shouldn't be separated by more than a few feet. Also, pay attention to how far away your computer is from the modem. Your wireless network only extends so far. When you're on the periphery, the signal starts getting weak and can be intermittent. If you need to boost your signal range, consider installing a wireless repeater.

WINDSTREAM

Windstream is one of the largest providers of telecommunications services in rural communities in the United States, and we are a customer-focused telecommunications company that provides phone, high-speed Internet and digital television services. We also offer a wide range of IP-based voice and data services and advanced phone systems and equipment to businesses and government agencies.